From the archives of the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library:
In February of 1987, the Sault Daily Star began reporting on a new event planned for that year: a public walk across the International Bridge.
The event was to be part of a year of celebrations recognizing multiple milestones: Sault Ste. Marie was celebrating 75 years since being incorporated as a city, Michigan was celebrating 150 years of statehood, and the bridge itself was turning 25. Organizers opted to hold the walk in August to coincide with yet another event, the Celebration of International Friendship, which spanned the border towns of Port Huron/Sarnia, Detroit/Windsor, and the twin Saults.
As for the bridge walk itself, local newspapers had long been reporting on other similar walks. The Mackinac Bridge Walk, running since 1958, could see tens of thousands turn out for their annual event. In 1964, the International Bridge Walkers Association encouraged people to take part in a 100-mile, 7-day hike that stretched from Batchawana River to Mackinaw City – albeit with a bus ride across Sault Ste. Marie’s International Bridge, as foot traffic was not permitted.
In 1981, all of that changed with the start of the Bridge Trot. On July 1, as part of the Twin Sault International Festival and hosted by the Sault Stryders and Rapid Runners, 430 runners made their way across the bridge. Participants could choose between a 5 km route over the bridge, or a 10 km route that extended into Bellevue Park. The run was non-competitive in nature, with organizers hoping that people would focus on having a fun, relaxed jog in a new setting: “To my knowledge, it’ll be the first time pedestrians have been allowed on the bridge and we’re expecting them to take advantage of it…. We want people to come out, lace on a pair of shoes, have some fun and enjoy the scenery.”
The Bridge Trot quickly became a yearly tradition, firmly establishing itself by the late 80s. However, in 1987, with numerous milestones to commemorate, officials wanted an additional event, something slower-paced and with plenty of pomp and circumstance – something like the first annual Bridge Walk.
Organizers of the Sault Bridge Walk anticipated as many as 10,000 participants: 5,000 from each side of the international border. Officials began to make plans for how to handle the influx of people walking from the American side to the Canadian side. Customs officers would set up 12 outdoor tables to check people’s identification. Additionally, one lane of traffic would be closed to accommodate the walk, and all lanes would be closed for the duration of a bridge ceremony; organizers asked people to avoid driving across the bridge if possible and encouraged Canadian bridge walkers to take advantage of a special bus service to bring them into Michigan for the start of the walk.
On August 14th, 1987, the first annual Bridge Walk got underway. While the weather didn’t cooperate and participants had to endure heavy rains, the Sault Star reported that the umbrellas only “added to the colorful ceremony.” The walk was replete with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by politicians and representatives from both sides of the river: International Bridge Authority chairman James Brophy, Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Joe Fratesi, Michigan Senator Mitch Irwin, and more were in attendance. There was a pipe band, the release of 10,000 helium-filled balloons, and speeches – although, unfortunately, the PA system broke down and most attendees were unable to hear. Officials also unveiled a commemorative plaque and buried a 50-year time capsule at the Michigan I-75 Travel Information Center.
While estimates varied greatly, between 4,000 and 7,000 braved the rain to complete the Bridge Walk and receive a special commemorative certificate.
The walk was deemed a success, and organizers quickly began making plans for future Bridge Walks. In 1988, the event moved to July and merged with the Bridge Trot: runners would start the day, with walkers to follow. An estimated 2,000 people participated, most of them choosing a slower pace. Perhaps put off by the early morning start, the Bridge Trot saw only 35 runners, approximately a tenth of the attendance they had come to expect.
Amongst the walkers was one lucky participant who found herself $25 richer for having the most unusual way of crossing the bridge: on a wheeled sled, pulled by her husky. This wasn’t the only contest held over the years: awards were given for best costume, best patriotic costume, and best centipede. The Sault Chamber of Commerce also got in on the celebrations, offering shuttles to shopping areas and discounts at local stores for bridge walkers.
By 1994, the news reported that the event had “slowed down considerably,” with most participants opting to walk. Gone were the days of the bridge run, with the event becoming more of a relaxing stroll. However, the event – billed as just a walk from 1995 onwards – continued the tradition of annual pedestrian traffic across the International Bridge.
In July 2002, with border security a heightened concerned compared to previous years, additional identification and increased safety measures didn’t put a damper on things, with organizers lauding the “good weather, a good crowd and a lot of smiles.”
Saturday June 29th marks the 35th International Bridge Walk. Will you be joining in the decades-long tradition of crossing the International Bridge on foot?
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